I hope everyone is enjoying this cool summer! Since I last wrote, we have onboarded a team of four interns, and our Legal and Policy Interns have already wrapped up. You can join me at our Capstone Conversations event on August 8th at 5 pm in Point Reyes to learn about what our Coastal Advocate and Legal and Policy interns worked on this summer. I draw inspiration and hope from the next generation of advocates, especially when I get discouraged by the uphill battle of conservation and our collective fight to protect biodiversity for current and future generations.
We have been busy these last few months, traveling to Sacramento to stand up for the California Coastal Act, strong marine conservation and 30x30, and the California Environmental Quality Act; advocating for the successful adoption of an updated Grazing Waiver in Oakland at the Water Board; supporting Plastic Free July at the Marin County Board of Supervisors; and launching a new pilot program to collect and analyze visitor demographic, activity, and knowledge data about our local marine protected area (MPAs). Read our articles below, including articles drafted by our Legal and Policy Interns, to learn more, as well as ways you can take local action related to the 1) proposed Nicasio Spillway, 2) protecting vital habitat in Tomales Bay, and 3) supporting strong coastal resiliency policies for Stinson Beach. Our lead article also includes ways you can stand up for CEQA!
I am also excited about a new era in leadership for EAC with our incoming Board President, Sarah Killingsworth, and grateful for Bridger Mitchell’s strong and longstanding contributions to EAC, both as President and in his continued role as a board member.
It was lovely to see many of you in June at our Annual Member meeting, where we honored our local environmental heroes. I hope you will join me for another event soon! Our last MPA training is coming up on August 2nd, and we are planning for our fall Litter Bugs Me/Coastal Clean Up day events in September. We are all in this together, and what we do locally makes a difference. In this time of increasing polarization, it’s more important now than ever to collaborate in the intersectionalities of environmental policy and social challenges.
By now, you should have received our postcard in the mail inviting you to engage with us this summer through the end of the year.
Learn more about our summer Advocate Store & Art Show with Kacy McKinney and Enrique Aquirre in downtown Point Reyes and RSVP for upcoming events, including the Capstone Conversations, Inverness Fair, and Piper on the Ridge.
~ Program Updates ~
Advocating for Strong Environmental Protections Amidst Growing Threats
By: Isabel Dawson, Policy Associate
As attacks on landmark environmental laws like the California Environmental Quality Act and the Coastal Act mount, we continue to champion coastal protection, clean water, and public access.
Throughout the spring and summer, we’ve worked with partners across the state, taking a leading role in advocating for strong environmental protections for West Marin and statewide, advocating on issues like coastal resources, water pollution, offshore oil drilling, and the importance of thorough environmental review.
Learn more about the state bills we are tracking, a recap from California Ocean Day, and how you can get involved in legislative advocacy and opposing offshore oil.
Water Board Adopts Grazing Waiver Protecting Water Quality
“If We Save the Sea, We Save the World”: Marine Protected Area Updates
By: Isabel Dawson, Policy Associate
Sir David Attenborough has released a powerful new film, Ocean, in which he states, “if we save the sea, we save the world.” His amazing film makes a strong case for the importance of the work of EAC and other marine conservation organizations. The film highlights how we all must prioritize protecting 30% of California’s oceans and that marine protected areas (MPAs) actually help fishing by acting as nurseries for fish species. The film was released just before California’s MPA network was added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Green List, highlighting its importance as a model for science-based marine conservation. I would recommend that all of you see this film and read more to learn what EAC is doing to increase protections for our local MPAs.
In July, we participated in the Fish and Game Commission’s Marine Resources Committee in Sacramento, speaking on multiple topics, including the draft framework to evaluate MPA petitions. We also submitted supplemental comments for our Duxbury petition to increase protections at Duxbury Reef, so this unique and biodiverse habitat can be maintained and enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.
On June 10th, we spoke at the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) meeting to discuss California’s 30x30 initiative and how its framework will apply to coastal waters, as well as advocating for funding for marine protected area enforcement.
In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order known as the “30x30” initiative, which set the goal of conserving 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. 30x30 was designed to foster collaboration among various organizations to conserve and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate and build resilience to climate change.
The 30x30 initiative closely aligns with our mission and marine conservation goals. Over the past four years, we have worked with multiple coalitions dedicated to ensuring its success, including the marine group of Power in Nature. Jointly, we submitted written comment letters and presented oral comments made by Morgan Tade, EAC Legal and Policy Intern, at the June 10th meeting, encouraging a strong conservation standard for the 30x30 framework, or Roadmap to Achieving 30x30 in California’s Coastal Waters.
As of June 13th, nineteen gray whales have washed up deadalong Bay Area shores this year, including at West Marin locations such as Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas, and Rodeo Beach.
This year’s alarming death toll represents a sharp spike within an already troubling long-term trend. Although researchers have not recorded this level of gray whale mortality in the Bay Area since 2000, elevated losses have been observed range-wide in recent years. From 2018 to 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared an Unusual Mortality Event for the species, during which the population declined by an estimated 40%. A recent NOAA count from early 2025 estimates an abundance of about 13,000 gray whales, the lowest the population has dropped since the 1970s.
We are highly concerned about these losses and understand that causes include melting ice and ship strikes. We have consistently advocated for policies to reduce whale strikes and drawdown greenhouse gases.
The Marin Municipal Water District is looking into installing an inflatable rubber gate on the spillway at Nicasio Reservoir to increase its temporary water storage. The Nicasio Spillway Modification Project will impact endangered coho salmon in Lagunitas Creek, pose a threat to communities and wildlife downstream, and exacerbate flooding and erosion in Nicasio.
Take Action
Marin Water is accepting public comments for recommendations, alternatives, and other considerations for its environmental impact evaluation of the Spillway Project. Join EAC and voice your concerns to protect West Marin’s lands and waters! Email written comments to Elysha Irish at eirish@marinwater.orgby 5 pm on Monday, August 4th.
We are also accepting organizational sign-ons through July 31st. Email isabel@eacmarin.org if you are a concerned organization.
Since 2017, EAC has been tracking a shellfish lease proposed for Brazil Beach on Tomales Bay.
We believe the proposal by San Andreas Shellfish Co. would have significant negative effects on Tomales Bay, including impacts on shorebirds and waterbirds, endangered species, nursery grounds, harbor seal pupping areas, eelgrass, water quality, sedimentation, noise, and public access.
Get involved!
Join EAC, the Public Lands Conservancy, and our partners to oppose this lease.
Check out our NEW webpage to stay informed and take action!
Comment on Stinson ARC Project by 8/15
The Stinson Beach Adaptation and Resilience Collaboration (ARC) project is now open for public comment, giving community members an important opportunity to help shape how Stinson responds to sea level rise. Led by Marin County in collaboration with local stakeholders, the project explores long-term strategies to protect infrastructure, ecosystems, and public access along this vulnerable stretch of coast.
EAC strongly encourages residents and visitors to submit comments in support of nature-based adaptation strategies—such as dune restoration and managed retreat—rather than hard armoring of the shoreline. These approaches offer a more sustainable, ecologically sound path forward for the Stinson community. Public comments can be sent tostinsonarc@marincounty.gov until August 15th.
County Board Approves Sale of Calf Lot for Interim Housing
On June 10th, the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to purchase a vacant parcel in Point Reyes Station—known locally as the Calf Lot—for use as short-term housing. The property, currently owned by House in Point Reyes LLC, is under contract to be sold to the Community Land Trust of West Marin (CLAM). Given the imminent displacement of local families and the parcel’s proximity to schools and services, we expressed support for the acquisition to Marin County Supervisor Rodoni via email, while also emphasizing the need for robust environmental review once development begins. With the Board’s approval now secured, a back-to-back escrow process will commence.
Through this partnership, CLAM and the County will deploy at least 12 homes on wheels as part of the shelter crisis response adopted in March. The project benefits from Marin County’s Shelter Crisis Declaration, which streamlines permitting and facilitates exemptions under zoning and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The interim housing is expected to be operational by early 2026 and will be renewed as needed. Long-term, CLAM will assume full stewardship of the Calf Lot, with negotiations currently underway to finalize the property transfer for future development of permanent affordable housing, which will undergo full review under the Coastal Act.
Throughout this process, we remain committed to fostering a collaborative and well-managed approach—one that upholds environmental stewardship while supporting the community.
Chicken Ranch Beach Restoration Set to Begin in August
A years-long process to begin wetland enhancement at Chicken Ranch Beach is set to begin on August 15 and will last for two months.
This project, spearheaded by Tomales Bay Foundation and in partnership with Marin County Parks, will improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and protect public health at Chicken Ranch Beach, which experiences consistently contaminated water quality in Channel B, sometimes used by unknowing beachgoers.
EAC was one of the early advocates for the restoration of Chicken Ranch Beach, and we have continued to engage on the project as part of the Tomales Bay Foundation Advisory Committee.
The beach will be accessible throughout construction, but parking may be limited. Congratulations to Tomales Bay Foundation for making this happen!
A New Chapter at San Geronimo Commons: Plans for Fire HQ Move Forward
In December 2022, Marin County entered into an option agreement to purchase the San Geronimo Commons—formerly the San Geronimo Golf Course—from the Trust for Public Land. We have consistently advocated for this property to become public open space. The Board of Supervisors finalized the acquisition in April 2024, marking a pivotal step toward reimagining the site for public benefit.
A key component of the County’s long-term vision is the construction of new headquarters for the Marin County Fire Department. An update was given at a July Marin County Board of Supervisors meeting which we wanted to share. For decades, the department has operated out of its aging facility in Woodacre. However, the station’s outdated infrastructure and inconvenient location have hindered rapid emergency response.
The new facility, expected to total about 25,000 square feet, will include a fire station, warehouse, and vehicle maintenance and repair area. The former clubhouse is slated for adaptive reuse as administrative offices and a training center, providing support functions without more land disturbance. Construction is anticipated to be completed by 2028.
By concentrating development on a relatively small footprint, the County preserves most of the 157 acres of open space, creeks, and trails for ecological restoration, recreation, and community benefit. The project will not impede public access to paths or restoration zones, and future uses of the broader Commons site continue to be guided by community-led planning and conservation priorities. We will continue monitoring the project as it moves through final design and construction. We remain committed to ensuring that San Geronimo Commons is stewarded with care, transparency, and a focus on the wellbeing of communities and the environment.
We endeavor to keep our website up to date with the latest information on our campaigns and included some quick links in case the topic you're most interested in isn't featured in this month's e-news! Some links to campaigns are below or click on the images to view those pages directly.
Did you know you can set up a recurring gift online?
Whether you choose to set up an annual recurring giftor spread out your giving monthlyor quarterly, a recurring gift is a great way to help provide consistent donations, so we can focus on protecting what you love in West Marin.
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MISSION
To protect and sustain the unique lands, waters, and biodiversity of West Marin. We achieve this goal through advocacy, science, education, and engagement.
VISION
Protected resilient ecosystems in West Marin’s coastal communities for current and future generations.
EQUITY & JUSTICE
We apply an equity lens to our guiding principles and work. We acknowledge how systemic, historical, and current social structures impact human relationships with our natural environment. We recognize that inequities and racism, past and present, result in reduced access to resources and increased environmental vulnerability. We are committed to evolving on an organizational level, expanding our program outreach, and broadening the voices and perspectives that drive our vision and policy work. The health of our environment thrives on ecological diversity, and the movement to protect it must be diverse and inclusive, which has not always been the case.
Contact Us
Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) PO Box 609 | 65 Third Street, Suite 12 Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 (415) 663.9312 | info@eacmarin.org
